Importation, breeding, release of wild Eurasian boar banned by state

Wednesday, October 23, 2013 - 4:57 pm

A new law immediately outlaws the importation, breeding or release of wild Eurasian boar throughout the North Country and the state.

The law will also prohibit possession, sale, distribution and transportation of the boars beginning, Sept. 1, 2015, meaning game preserves, that breed the animals for hunting purposes, will be forced to sell off their boars prior to the 2015 deadline.

State Sen. Betty Little supports the measure and says she has worked closely with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), and environmental organizations, including the Adirondack Council, to develop and build support for the measure.

The new law also authorizes the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to adopt rules and regulations necessary to implement and administer this new section of law.

Fines of $500 would be imposed for the first and second violations of the law with penalties increasing to $1,000 or more for subsequent violations.

“When we talk about invasive species, Asian clams, zebra mussels and milfoil come to mind, not wild pigs,” said Senator Betty Little. “But many upstate counties, including in the North Country, have reported feral swine and these animals are highly destructive posing a threat to livestock, wild animals, native plants, crops and orchards. Addressing this issue now will save money and property.”

According to a release issued by Little, A 2012 USDA study on feral swine in New York concluded that, “breeding populations are thought to be a result of escaped swine from shooting preserves and breeding facilities.

Eurasian boars are difficult to contain due to their size and aggressive nature. Eurasian boars mature in 6 to 10 months and can breed up to twice a year, with litters averaging 6-8 piglets, the release said.

Other groups supporting the legislation include the Northeast Organic Farming Association of New York, the Nature Conservancy, Environmental Advocates of New York, Catskill Mountainkeeper, Humane Society and ASPCA.